Ingoldmells RNLI lifeguards rescue young boy unconscious on body board

At around midday, one of the charity’s lifeguards, Januscz Burda, noticed a young boy who appeared unconscious on his body board and immediately swam out with a rescue tube (a long flexible yellow tube that people can grab onto) to bring him back to shore.

The young body boarder was spending the day at the beach with family and was around 20 metres out to sea between the red and yellow flags when his seizures began. The boy’s brother was also nearby and his concern for his sibling made it clear that something was wrong.

As Januscz was bringing the boy back to the beach, the father also swam out to assist. Once back on the beach, the casualty regained consciousness and after consulting with paramedics they continued to monitor him in case of further seizures.

Thankfully, the young boy was fine after a period of observation and care from the lifeguards.

RNLI Lifeguard Supervisor, Arun Gray, said following the incident: ‘This is yet another reminder of why you should always swim between the red and yellow flags, and on a lifeguarded beach.

‘Fortunately, Januscz was there on patrol and was able get to the casualty immediately, before the situation escalated and could have led to a completely different outcome, as the young boy’s brother and father may have got into difficulty themselves.’

Janusz Burda, the lifeguard who rescued the young boy, said: ‘As an RNLI lifeguard we receive comprehensive casualty care training and are equipped to deal with everything from a minor first aid through to a lifesaving rescue.

‘The training immediately kicked in on Friday and I’m so pleased that we were able to assist and that the boy was okay and well to enjoy the rest of his day.’

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For more information please contact Megan McBride, RNLI Media Engagement Placement North East and East, on 07391544363 or at: [email protected]

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The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,000 lives.

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